Better the World (BTW), a social platform that enables Internet users to earn money for charity, encourages students to surf the Web.
The Canada-based, online organization, launched in Feb. 2009, "targets Internet users who have no money to give to charity and charity supporters who want to do more," according to a BTW fact sheet.
After joining for free, members choose a cause to support and download a sidebar on their browser that allows "ethical ads" to take up about 10 percent of the screen, said BTW staff member Kristen Petri.
Petri, who works in marketing, said BTW is "a way that people can raise money for a charity they care about. They don't have to reach into their pockets."
BTW is an easy way for students to contribute to charity. Petri said when students sign up to become members, they can add their school and get other people to join.
She knows there is at least one UConn student who became involved with BTW on his or her own, and he or she is a "high participator."
Petri encourages students to get involved. BTW is currently running a contest entitled "The Final Four" that will award $2,000 to the school whose students earn the most points and $4,000 to that school's selected charity.
At this time, BTW has more than 5,000 members. Petri reaches out to students, media and top bloggers "to spread the word" and recruit more members.
The way the Web site is set up, members can achieve specific goals based on the charity they support. For example, if a member supports Habitat for Humanity, one goal would be to raise $500 to buy paint for one house.
The goals change on a regular basis, said Petri. Seeing completed goals makes "you feel like you actually did something."
"The more people that join, the faster it goes," she said. "We can raise millions of dollars by surfing the Internet."
Unlike other organizations that give as little as 10-to-50 percent of donations to charities, BTW has a 90/10 policy. According to the BTW Web site, "90 percent of the funds you raise support the issue(s) you care about most. Ten percent is used to keep our lights on, hire great people and develop more ways to help you support your cause."
"Everyone can find something they're passionate about," said Petri. BTW features more than 30 different causes, ranging from "Helping Hospitals Help Kids" to "Save an Orphan Rhino."
Petri said the small BTW staff of about 10 people is constantly working on developing new tools. Upcoming additions to the Web site may include a search toolbar powered by Google and a shopping network marketing "ethical goods."
They're also trying to make it "a fun and interactive site"-they want BTW to be a "way of connecting" for members. They want members to encourage each other, and have the opportunity to chat and look up friends.
To become a member, or for more information, visit www.bettertheworld.com.
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